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Dr. John urges Virginia to adopt bell-to-bell phone-free schools to boost focus and social skills
Summary
At an Oldbridge Elementary event, Dr. John praised Virginia’s move toward statewide bell-to-bell phone-free schools and said removing phones during the full school day improves attention, play and student interaction; he urged administrators to follow VDOE guidance for implementation.
Dr. John, a visiting scholar and author, urged Virginia educators to implement bell-to-bell phone-free policies across the school day, saying the approach restores play and attention in classrooms.
"The only way to do this is Bell to Bell," Dr. John said, arguing that limited bans that only close phones during class leave recess and lunch as times when students retreat to screens. He said schools that have gone phone-free report more laughter and social interaction among students.
The speaker applauded the Virginia Department of Education for publishing phone-free guidance and predicted that, "by January of 2025 we will see bell phone-free schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia." He cited recent moves by large districts — including Los Angeles and New York City public schools — and noted the Surgeon General’s recent statement recommending warning labels on social media as part of a broader shift.
Panelists acknowledged practical implementation questions but advised administrators to consult existing VDOE resources and to learn from districts that have already adopted full-day policies. Dr. John said classroom-only bans are insufficient because the minutes between classes and lunch become concentrated phone-use windows that undermine social learning.
School safety concerns from parents were addressed: Dr. John and the panel said standard emergency protocols designate teachers and staff as the contacts who will communicate with families during drills or incidents, and that unrestricted student phone use in an emergency can disrupt drills and response.
The event closed with a call for administrators to follow guidance, consult VDOE resources, and pilot bell-to-bell policies with attention to communications protocols so parents retain reliable emergency contact paths.
The session concluded with organizers inviting Oldbridge Elementary leadership to speak next about local plans.
